Shadowing Practice: American English Connected Reading | The cost of public transport - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Hey, welcome back.
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This is an answer to an IELTS part 3 question about why you think the cost of public transport is important.
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The cost of public transport is definitely important.
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Public transport, this k disappears.
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Public transport is definitely, definitely,
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the t disappears, definitely important now this word is kind of tricky important important both of these T's disappear
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and we just have an N important definitely important I believe
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that cities that this T disappears and the vowel is short should subsidize.
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This D is very light.
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Should subsidize public transport.
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Again we have the k sound disappear.
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Public transport.
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To make it public transport to these two T's connect.
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Make it as cheap.
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This T is very light.
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Make it as cheap as possible.
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Or even free in some cases.
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Free in.
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Free in.
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There's a ya sound in the middle here.
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Free in some cases.
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If they do that, people without cars, this T disappears, without cars,
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could easily get to, could easily get to, get to.
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These T's connect into one.
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The other, the other, there's a yuh sound, the other side of town,
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without worrying, this T disappears, without worrying about the cost.
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this T connects with the TH about the cost without worrying about the cost.
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That way, this T disappears.
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That way, they could get access to new job opportunities, or just spend money.
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Now, this T and this D both disappear.
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Just spend money.
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Just spend money.
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Or just spend money outside their own neighborhoods.
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These two ends connect.
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Own neighborhoods.
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Own neighborhoods.
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Even people with cars might take public transport.
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Public transport.
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Again, the k sound disappears.
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Public transport.
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When it fits.
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When it fits.
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This T disappears.
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When it fits their schedules.
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That would be, that would be.
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This D is very light.
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That would be great for the environment.
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Now, for.
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This isn't for, the vowel is very short.
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For For the in, the in, the environment.
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These two sounds have a y between them.
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For the environment.
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And now this N disappears.
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Environment, environment, environment.
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Finally, this last T should be very light, and sometimes you won't even say it at all.
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environment.
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Great for the environment.
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The cost of public transport is definitely important.
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I believe that cities should subsidize public transport to make it as cheap as possible, or even free in some cases.
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If they do that, people without cars could easily get to the other side of town without worrying about the cost.
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That way, they could get access to new job opportunities or just spend money outside their own neighborhoods.
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Even people with cars might take public transport when it fits their schedules.
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That would be great for the environment.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, learners will practice English speaking by focusing on the importance of public transport costs, particularly in American English. You will engage in an immersive shadowing experience, allowing you to improve your English pronunciation while understanding how connected speech works in real conversations. By analyzing the nuances of the transcript, you’ll gain valuable insights into the flow of natural speech and practice key vocabulary relevant to public transport, making it easier to discuss this topic in everyday situations.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Public transport: Transportation systems that are available for use by the general public.
  • Subsidize: To support financially, typically by a government action.
  • Access: The ability to reach or enter a place, especially relating to opportunities.
  • Job opportunities: Vacancies or chances for employment.
  • Without worrying: To do something without concern or stress regarding the issue at hand.
  • Environment: The surrounding conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives.
  • Fit their schedules: To align with one’s available time or personal timetable.

Practice Tips

To make the most out of this lesson, utilize the shadowing technique as you listen to the transcript. Here are some tailored tips to help you:

  • Start Slowly: Begin by listening to the audio at a slower pace. This will help you catch every syllable and understand the connected speech.
  • Focus on T Sounds: Notice how certain 'T' sounds often blend into the next word. For example, in phrases like "the cost of" and "get to," practice how those sounds connect smoothly.
  • Repeat Phrases: After listening, pause and repeat phrases that stand out to you. Emphasize the blending of words, as seen in "public transport," to improve your English pronunciation.
  • Record Yourself: Use a recording tool to capture your shadowing exercises. Listening back will help you identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation and intonation.
  • Engage with a Partner: If possible, practice with a speaking partner. Discuss the importance of public transport, using the key vocabulary from the lesson, and encourage each other to apply the shadowing technique.

By consistently applying these strategies, you will strengthen your English speaking practice and achieve a more natural, fluent sound in conversation. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy your journey to mastering American English pronunciation through effective shadowing methods!

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.